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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.

“Sadly, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into men and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and community behind me.”